Cowley College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2014-2015 operating budget for the college during its annual monthly meeting held Monday in the McAtee Dining Center.

The 2014-2015 budget has a projected mill levy of 18.833, which is a decrease from the final 2013-2014 levy, but results in an equal tax levy. Cowley College interim president Tony Crouch noted the final mill levy will be subject to final county valuation in the first part of November.

Revenues are based on total in-state enrollments of 86,588 credit hours, a state operating grant of 6,933,300 and a county valuation of 229,846,569. Expenditures are based on anticipated enrollments at each campus and objectives as set forth by the Board of Trustees and the administrative team.

The college’s total maximum budget for 2014-2015 is $35,925,337.

In other matters:

Approved the 2014-2015 Master Agreement between the Board of Trustees of Cowley College and the Cowley College Education Association.

Approved a salary increase of $1,000 in total salaries or annualized hourly wages for full-time administrative and classified staff, effective August 1. If total revenues for fiscal year 2014-15 reach $19,811,000.00, an additional $300 would be allocated to each full-time administrative and classified staff member. Likewise, were the total revenues for fiscal year 2014-15 to reach $19,872,000.00, another $300 would be allocated to each full-time administrative and classified staff member.

Sid Regnier, retired vice president of business services at Cowley College, provided the Board with handouts listing items he believes are necessary to review when proposing a campus master plan. Regnier also spoke to the Board about the college’s proposed budget.

Crouch mentioned the college’s ongoing discussion with USD 470 about a cooperation agreement which would allow the college to play tennis at the Arkansas City High School tennis courts next year. Crouch said he hopes to work out details of the agreement and report back to the Board in September. Dr. Ron Ballard, USD 470 superintendent, said the school board was very receptive of the idea and the district values its partnership with the college.

Discussed the upcoming KACCT/COP meeting, which will be held September 12-13 at Pratt Community College.

Discussed the ACCT Leadership Congress, which will be held Oct. 22-25 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, IL. Keynote speakers are Ellen Alberding, President and Board member of The Joyce Foundation and Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund. Ron Godsey, voting delegate to the ACCT, plans to attend the event.

Crouch provided the following construction update. Stanfield Roofing completed work on the roof of Galle-Johnson Hall; Mahaney Roofing will complete the entire roof replacement of the Nelson Student Center in early fall; Traver’s Furniture and Carpet has completed the carpet installation in the Kirke Dale Dormitory; Schneider Construction has replaced the soffit around Renn Memorial Library.

The Board approved the following policies: College Vehicles (153.00), Social Networking (149.00), and Academic Code of Conduct (402.00).

Crouch mentioned the college has received proposals from three SIS (Student Information System) vendors. After having time to review the proposals one will be presented for recommendation at the September Board meeting.

Approved the employment of Charity Andrews as head women’s tennis coach, effective August 22; approved the hiring of Roxanna James as director of student support services grant/IMPACT, effective August 12; approved the employment of Sheila Officer as adult education instructor/Hutchinson Corrections Facility, effective August 12.

Held a pair of executive sessions totaling 40 minutes for preliminary discussions relating to non-elected personnel, professional negotiations, property acquisition, and consult with legal counsel.

Approved the draft agreement with former president Clark Williams.

Board members Dennis K. Shurtz and Mark Paton were absent. Ron Godsey filled in as Chairman of the meeting in Shurtz’s absence.